The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca and SEHA, a Pure Health Group company, the strategic partnership seeks to decarbonise the Emirate’s healthcare ecosystem while focusing on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and respiratory diseases services to mitigate the sector’s environmental impact, as these diseases are known for their significant healthcare resource requirements, which poses a challenge on healthcare systems and their impact on the environment. The signing took place at this year’s biggest climate conference COP28, currently underway in the UAE.
The agreement comes in line with ADPHC’s efforts, which will see all parties working together to reduce healthcare-related emissions, such as designing eco-friendly healthcare facilities, adopting efficient care delivery methods, and wisely using medical equipment to make a significant difference in the sector’s impact on climate change. In the presence of H.E. Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, Group Chief of Critical Infrastructure and Response at Pure Health, and Sameh El Fangary, Country President for the GCC at AstraZeneca, the LOI was signed by H.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), Dr. Ghanem Al Hassani Group Education and Research Director at SEHA, and Hicham Mirghani, GCC Director of Corporate Affairs at AstraZeneca.
H.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), stated: “COP28 represents a great opportunity for collectively working on building a better future. At ADPHC, we understand how climate change can affect the health of the community. That is why this collaboration with AstraZeneca and our partners in Abu Dhabi underscores the importance of tackling issues such as the decarbonisation of the healthcare sector, to ensure the health and well-being of the community, today, and for generations to come. All entities will be working towards reducing the sector’s carbon footprint and exploring alternative and more sustainable approaches.”
Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, Group Chief of Critical Infrastructure and Response at PureHealth, said: “As the largest healthcare network in the Middle East, PureHealth has a responsibility to lead the way in promoting environmental sustainability within our industry. Through this initiative with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and AstraZeneca, we hope to decarbonise the healthcare ecosystem in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In line with the overall vision of PureHealth, we are committed to forging alliances to inspire healthcare entities and businesses in the country to act towards reducing the sector’s environmental footprint and encouraging energy conservation practices.”
Sameh El Fangary, Country President for the GCC at AstraZeneca added: “Our partnership with ADPHC and SEHA, announced at COP28, will have a positive impact on the clinical, societal, and environmental aspects of chronic kidney diseases and will showcase how Abu Dhabi is unique in taking necessary public policy actions that result from scientific-based research initiatives.
At AstraZeneca, we are deeply committed to advancing healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes and contribute to reimagining sustainable healthcare. This collaboration showcases how co-creation can tackle the climate crisis and underscores our shared dedication to reducing the healthcare sector's environmental impact proving that climate action policy is also an illness prevention policy positively impacting the health of people, society, and the planet.”
Notably, this strategic partnership comes as a part of DoH and ADPHC’s participation at COP28, as both entities worked together to host a comprehensive 12-day programme focusing on the intersection of healthcare, climate change and sustainability. The programme included panel discussions, meetings, presentations, and collaborative conversations, providing a platform for experts and partners from the UAE and around the world. To know more about DoH and ADPHC’s participation at COP28, visit: https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/cop28